Ch.4949. Interview

●

The situation was resolved more quickly than expected.

After all, since the Pope himself didn’t make a fuss about the incident and let it go, it would be difficult for others to intervene and say anything—that was probably the biggest factor.

“…However, this incident will significantly increase the number of groups wanting to get involved with you.”

Atalante said with a sigh.

“The Empire and the Tribal Union will now begin to take serious interest in your whereabouts. It would be good to prepare yourself mentally in advance.”

I already know that, Chancellor.

‘…It’s an inevitable progression anyway.’

As I progress through the main scenario, I’ll inevitably become deeply entangled with those factions whether I like it or not. Rather, it’s better to attract attention a bit earlier so I can take the initiative in setting the stage.

The tribal chiefs of the Tribal Union and the imperial family of the Empire are ultimately just a nest of greedy individuals looking out for their own interests. Not to mention the Holy Empire.

Just by standing in this irreplaceable position, I can block most attempts to manipulate me.

Various troublesome matters will come flying my way later, but…

“More importantly, what about the sisters?”

Well, those related matters can be dealt with when they arise.

The most important thing for progressing through Chapter 2 is ultimately them.

After all, I made that deal with the Holy Empire because of them.

“The Holy Maiden hasn’t fully regained consciousness yet. It’s nothing serious—she should come to her senses in a day or two. Her younger sister is staying by her side to nurse her.”

“That’s good news.”

I reply while thinking.

“So they’ll be able to make it for the delegation schedule?”

“…Is that what you have to say after rescuing them even at the cost of confronting the Pope?”

That’s the most important thing, so it can’t be helped.

I smile at Atalante, who speaks with an incredulous tone.

The regular delegation sent from the Holy Empire always conducts “blessing” operations while thoroughly examining the interior of Elphante Academy.

And that’s the first step in dispelling the curse of severance on Yuria’s sword.

That event itself becomes the trigger for treating the trauma inflicted on her.

‘There’s not much time left either…’

Three days at most.

Considering the Purifier boss battle in the first chapter, it’s better to assume that the scenario always unfolds in the worst possible way.

And thinking about what awaits in three days, it’s safe to assume that the Boy King boss battle event will definitely happen then.

In other words.

If I don’t break the curse of severance on Yuria by then, it’s essentially game over.

“Please tell the Holy Maiden I’d like to see her when she regains consciousness.”

So, well.

I’ve already dealt with any potential interference from the Holy Empire.

What remains is…

“…I want to talk about your ‘long-cherished wish.'”

The task of truly saving her.

●

<System Message>

[You have completed the Main Quest!]

[You have received 1 ‘Echo of Sanctification’!]

[You have received 1 ‘Seed of Evil’!]

I stroke my chin as I look at the windows dropping one after another.

I had already fulfilled the completion conditions for this quest by rescuing Lucien earlier, but I’m only receiving the rewards now because I’ve been busy with various matters.

[Echo of Sanctification]

[Material: Growth Material – Divine]

[When fused with an item related to ‘Divine’ that can be grown, it can increase the item’s grade by one level.]

I look at the blue magic stone in my hand.

Not bad.

Typically, main quest reward items vary depending on who is involved in the intertwined quest.

In a situation like this, where the quest clearly involves divine-type ability users like Lucien and Yuria, the rewards are usually related to that aspect.

‘And…’

As it happens, I have something that perfectly matches this.

With a snort, I examine the palm-sized incense burner in my hand.

In the original work, when the Sanctification Ultima is enhanced, it’s probably the built-in skills that get strengthened.

The “Asceticism” skill that allows redirecting all additional stats to durability, and the “Divine Shield” skill that summons a shield as solid as those durability stats.

Both have been useful even in their current state, but considering the typical enhancements when feeding growth materials like this, they should become much more powerful.

‘The Production Department is going to have a hard time.’

I’ll probably need to visit them soon with various requests, and I can commission them to enhance the Ultima using this at the same time.

With that thought, I swipe to the next window.

There’s one more thing I obtained.

[Seed of Evil]

[Currency: Special]

[Can be exchanged for special skills at the point shop.]

[Currently owned: 4]

This one.

Including those obtained from Elia and Talion previously, plus the one from completing this main quest, I now have a total of 4.

Originally, I had planned to use them during the Purifier boss battle, but I gave up because I couldn’t find anything suitable.

‘But…’

With 4 of them, there must be some useful skills available.

For example.

◎ Analytical Eye

[Skill: Special]

[Price: 4 Seeds of Evil]

[Once per day, you can check the target’s stats.]

Something like this.

[You have purchased ‘Special Skill: Analytical Eye’!]

[Starting today, you can check a target’s stats once per day.]

Since Seeds of Evil themselves are rare currency that only appear as gift rewards or from main quests, this skill that consumes them is extremely simple but powerful.

After all, having more information is never disadvantageous.

“Ah, Darwood.”

And as luck would have it, the perfect person to test this on has just appeared.

I look at Elnore, who spotted me at the end of the corridor and is walking toward me with an expressionless face.

[Using ‘Analytical Eye’.]

[Retrieving target information.]

[A 24-hour cooldown applies for the same target.]

Getting information about this person is the top priority.

Both Elnore and Elia are people whose growth benchmarks could completely change my future course of action. They’re the most important characters in the scenario.

[Elnore Erinarise la Tristan]

[Trait: Vessel – Grey Demon]

[Status: Calculating the distance between Tristan Dukedom and Campbell Barony to push away drowsiness.]

[Special note: Has been tailing someone as per Darwood Campbell’s instructions for 72 hours. Extremely tired but feeling better after seeing Darwood Campbell.]

“…”

It seems this skill really is worth 4 Seeds of Evil, extracting such detailed information, but what’s important is what’s below.

< Status Info >

[Normal]

Strength: S

Agility: S

Endurance: S

Luck: C

Authority: A+

[Ability]

Magic Power: B

Law Power: F

Divine Power: F

???: EX

< Misc. >

-Current number of ‘Demon Fragments’ fused: 1

-Stage 1 fusion progress: 80%

-Corruption progress: 2%

‘…As expected.’

Setting aside the dazzling stats, I scan the “fusion progress” and “corruption progress” listed at the bottom.

These are items that would be common to all Demonic Vessels.

‘Fusion progress is already at 80%.’

This is a measure of how much the fragment has “merged” with the vessel itself.

The most noticeable effects are changes in personality and abilities. Like Yuria, who developed dependency and obsession issues under the influence of the White Demon fragment.

The previous incident where she got angry enough to awaken the Possession skill clearly had a significant impact.

When this reaches 100%, it means this person will experience a major personality change like Yuria. For now, it seems limited to the addition of an unidentified “???” stat.

“…”

I just hope Elnore doesn’t change in a frightening way like Yuria did.

With that thought, I shift my eyes to another part of the window.

Corruption progress is a measure of how mentally unstable the vessel is. If this fills up, the fragments inside go berserk and cause havoc.

Even with just one fragment, such an event would be catastrophic, and if it happens when all fragments are gathered… well.

It would be nothing short of game over.

‘2% is acceptable.’

Normally, Elnore at the beginning of Chapter 2 should have this at around 20%.

But since both Elia and Gideon, who would have been major sources of stress, are unable to focus on Elnore because of me, the situation is better.

As I was thinking about this, Elnore spoke.

“I’ve been wanting to die all this time.”

“…”

You’re only at 2% right now.

I wish you wouldn’t make statements that sound like 92% corruption progress the moment we meet.

“…Why?”

“The person you asked me to tail is truly no ordinary human.”

Elnore sighed as she brushed back her hair.

For someone like her to talk like this is truly rare, but given the target, I understand.

“…Nevertheless, I’ve managed to grasp their general behavior patterns.”

So, I know it’s almost unbelievable to hear her say this.

“…Really?”

I ask with wide eyes, and Elnore hands me a stack of papers.

Inside are detailed records of where a certain individual went and what they did within the academy during the midterm exam period.

‘…Wow.’

She actually did it.

I asked her to do this, but I thought it would be nearly impossible.

As expected of the final boss.

While I was thinking this, Elnore placed her hands on her hips and thrust out her chest.

She cleared her throat, as if showing off. All while maintaining her expressionless face.

“You could be a little more grate—”

I suddenly pull her into a hug.

It was something I did out of spontaneous joy.

“Really, really thank you, Elnore! I’ll definitely repay you later!”

“…”

Leaving Elnore frozen in that position, I dash away.

I needed to meet the “target” of these documents right away.

●

“…”

Elnore silently looked down at her uniform.

With a solemn expression, she took off her coat, carefully folded it, and draped it over her arm.

‘…I should preserve this.’

Hmm.

She planned not to wash it for as long as possible.

As she thought this, she suddenly recalled Darwood’s “hands” that had embraced her moments ago.

‘They were a bit larger than I expected?’

Then, the “ring” she was currently crafting should be made a bit larger too.

“…”

When she gives it to him, what expression will that man make?

Will he be surprised? Happy? Or perhaps.

Right there, on the spot, would he.

Accept it?

“…Don’t have pointless expectations.”

She muttered to herself, and then resumed walking with strict movements.

But even so.

The corners of her mouth were slightly twisted.

Unable to hide her anticipation.

●

A common misconception about someone who has witnessed the future change into the past multiple times is that they don’t value time.

That’s not true at all.

Valkarsus, more than anyone, knew how precious “now” is, even in the briefest moment.

It was thanks to this that he had the refined hobby of appreciating scenery.

The clock tower of the academy.

Sitting inside the building that soared high into the sky, one could see the sun setting beyond the horizon better than anywhere else.

As sunlight disappeared and darkness gradually crept in, the appearance of his arm, positioned where light didn’t reach, changed.

Rather than changing appearance, it was revealing its “true nature.”

Its outline melted and flowed down. It blended with the darkness, dispersing a poisonous aura.

The price of bearing the weight of eternal years. The shackle that the laws of the world had imposed on him.

“…”

After gazing at it for a moment, he smiled faintly and stroked it.

“…I should train my physical strength a bit more.”

And no sooner had he finished speaking than someone came panting up to the top of the clock tower.

Running up this distance might be possible for any healthy Elphante student with some effort, but this particular student showed visible signs of physical exhaustion to the point of near-death.

Looking at his bloodshot eyes and rough breathing, it might have been comical, but instead of mocking him, Valkarsus decided to offer a word.

“Are you Darwood Campbell?”

“…Do you, huff, know me?”

“You’re about to pass out. Sit down first.”

Valkarsus said, gesturing to a spot with his eyes.

Darwood sat down next to him, staggering, and after panting for a while, finally continued.

“How do you know me?”

“The Luminary specifically sent me here with a warning. Said you’d be the biggest obstacle to what I’m going to do here.”

Darwood nodded slowly.

“…I see.”

Darwood replied, nodding his head compliantly.

In his mind, he was recalling information about the person before him.

Boy King. The “background” of Chapter 2.

Why a background and not the final boss? Because this is an opponent that simply cannot be confronted and defeated.

The king of the dead who has existed for thousands of years.

A monster whose existence is closer to a “phenomenon” or “concept” than a “human.”

A ruler who received the most horrific return for his simple and warm wish that all his people would be happy for a long time.

And what such a being plans to do here.

Thinking about the main scenario, a truly absurd answer would come.

The question that followed was asked in the hope that it wouldn’t be as bad as expected.

“…Are you planning to kill everyone here, resurrect them, turn them into the dead, and then rule over them?”

Valkarsus nodded compliantly.

His next words were delivered in a remarkably casual tone.

“In three days.”

“…”

Darwood let out a heavy sigh.

●